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I just thought that I would add my experience of Murano, to that of Bernards.

We were lucky enough to be given a private tour of a small glass factory, where the glass master is Andrea Tagliapietra (his glass master was Ermanno Nason). His son is working alongside him, and a very good glass artist he is too. They both permitted us to take photos of them at work and they were so fast in what they do, that some of the photos are blurred, nonetheless, I have some wonderful memories and a few lovely photos. We wandered around Murano and stumbled upon another glass making facility, we just stood at their 'back door' and watched them at work. Amazing!We also went to Formia, as Bernard suggested, but most of the workers had days off, so there were only 4 people at work, 1 of which was the glass master. (Italy were playing Germany the very same evening :wink: ) It was still an amazing sight, again, they pemitted photos/videos to be made, but use of flash equipment was not allowed.

We actually stayed on Venice, and very expensive it is too. If you intend to visit/stay in Venice, then allow between E1-2 pp cover charge in most restaurants (just to have a drink too!) plus 12% service charge on top of anything you order. You should also expect to pay between E3.50-4.50 for a can of coke, if consumed in a restaurant/cafe, look at any menus before you decide. You can purchase drinks to be consumed whilst walking, from booths, these are also very expensive.There are actually very few benches/seats provided for the public, so steps etc. have to surfice, unless you want to pay the cover charge. The best and most inexpensive place we found for a snack, was on Murano. No cover charge either!

I also found MANY paperwights which were Chinese made, with Murano stickers on them, in the shops in Venice. Jan kindly took photos and I will post them when he has uploaded them from his camera.When I asked the shopkeepers why this was, they all virtually came up with the same answer. Tourists want glass from Murano at cheap prices, we just give them what they want.

We had a great time, but came home quite a few euros down, especially as I couldn't resist buying a couple of Tagliapietra sculptures. :lol: